Turbo Granny's Maneki-Neko Transformation Explained

Key recommendations

  • Turbo Granny turned into a Maneki-Neko doll after being defeated, but retained some of her powers.
  • The meaning of the doll shows a deeper and protective side of Turbo Granny for young girls.
  • Turbo Granny's new role as a friendly and protective ally adds to the comedic effect of the series.



WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Dandadan Episode 8, “I've Got This Funny Feeling,” streaming now on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

Turbo Granny is one of the first terrifying spirits that Okarun and Momo Ayase have to face in Dandadan anime. Her abilities are particularly impressive, with her intense speed making it difficult for any opponent to outrun. However, not long after Momo and Okarun's final battle with the yokai, she arrives in a completely different form.

Shortly after the duo discover that Turbo Granny has returned Dandadanshe quickly changes into a new form: a Maneki-Neko doll. With this transformation comes an entirely different beast to deal with. But how exactly did she end up in this position, and what does it mean for her future as a yokai spirit?

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How Turbo Granny Became a Maneki-Neko Doll

Her unexpected transformation


Many fans of the series may wonder how exactly Turbo Granny got caught in a Maneki-Neko doll, a very different appearance from her original form. Most of the situation started when Okarun and Momo Ayase had their final battle with Turbo Granny in Season 1 Episode 4 “Alien Invasion”. Shortly after the duo take on Turbo Granny and the location-bound spirit in Shono City, they are led to believe that the terrifying yokai has been officially defeated as her crab-like form appears to disintegrate in front of them. However, this ends up not being the case.

Okarun quickly realizes after their battle that some of his “affects” are still missing. To the surprise of Momo and her grandmother, a quick look into Okarun's aura reveals that he is still possessed. Momo brings a Maneki-Neko doll and places a talisman on it, which immediately turns red and burns in the second Momo removes the negative aura from Okarun. This negative aura soon possesses the Maneki-Neko doll in front of her and runs away.


The possessed doll is soon revealed to be Turbo Granny, judging by the very obvious tone of voice and threats to the three heroes. Turbo Granny reveals that she changed her astral form to possess Okarun and had to wait a while before she could fully recover from the battle. Unfortunately for Turbo Granny, her powers remain in Okarun, while only her consciousness was placed in the Maneki-Neko doll, making her powerless against the group, especially as their powers grow stronger.

What is the meaning of the doll?

The Maneki-Neko doll is a symbol of good luck

The Maneki-Neko doll, also known as the beckoning cat, is known as a traditional Japanese figurine that is meant to bring luck and fortune to the owner. Despite Turbo Granny's terrifying initial form as a yokai spirit, this exchange with a protective and lucky entity shows that the character is much deeper than another antagonist.


Turbo Granny, after her “defeat” in the final battle, is revealed to have taken up residence in the tunnel due to it being a location where many young girls were taken against their will and killed in a gruesome manner. Turbo Granny wanted to protect these girls and bring them comfort while living in the tunnel, hoping to give them an easier transition into the afterlife. As Turbo Granny transitions into her Maneki-Neko form, she becomes more of an ally to the duo, seeking to continue to protect Momo in particular and offer aid to the two as a Maneki-Neko would .

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Grandma Turbo's current role

Where Turbo Granny is among the group


Now that Turbo Granny is in a much cuter and smaller form, her role has changed significantly. She is no longer a terrifying force seeking to end both Okarun and Momo, but a relatively harmless doll who occasionally serves as comic relief and a source of assistance for Okarun and Momo as they continue to battle other spirits and aliens. . While it may not be the role she ever imagined herself to be, her protectiveness over Momo symbolizes a soft spot in her heart and proves that she was never just an antagonist to be defeated.

Soon, by Season 1, Episode 8, “She's a Little Crazy”, Turbo Granny seems to have become part of the family, sitting at the table drinking ramen with the rest of the gang. Although she was initially only there to recover her powers and help return Okarun's possessions, she seems to have quickly taken on a role as a friend and protector of the household. While she certainly still speaks to the group in a rude manner, it adds to the comedic effect given her small, unimposing form.

Can Turbo Granny return to her former form?

Can he regain all his powers?


Some fans might wonder if it's possible for Turbo Granny to return to her original form before taking the Maneki-Neko doll. Although she remained in her current Maneki-Neko doll form in the anime and most likely won't change anytime soon, it is still possible that she will return to her original body. Her current situation forces her to remain in the doll while she tries to return Okarun's possessions so she can regain her powers. However, she seems to have become the show's mascot in her current form, so the chances of a quick return are unlikely.

It is also possible for Turbo Granny to regain her powers but still retain her Maneki-Neko form as she is much more welcoming to most people, including the gang. It's also a source of great comic effect and allows him to stick with the group as an extra member. Sure, it might not be her preferred form, but it would definitely give her an edge in finding her way in the future.


Dandadan is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu and Netflix.

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